100+ Small Businesses Join eBay to Kick Off Retail Revival in Akron, Ohio

In partnership with the City of Akron, eBay will provide full-scale service and support to help business owners showcase their unique inventory to a global audience of consumers on the eBay Marketplace.

Over 100 small business owners gathered in Akron, Ohio to boost their ecommerce presence as part of eBay’s newly launched Retail Revival program. Through a full day of hands-on workshops and panels, the entrepreneurs – some of them first-time eBay sellers – gained best practices as well as a new support network to help expand the reach of their businesses.

In the words of Congressman Tim Ryan, the event was “electric”:

Absolutely electric atmosphere in Akron this morning w/@eBay! 18 Warren businesses here too getting plugged in to the global market! eBay will connect these biz up to 190 mil customers around the world in 170 diff markets. #RetailRevival#OHProudpic.twitter.com/QbMGgtSSof

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan kicked off the event, emphasizing the meaning of Retail Revival to Akron as well as the broader community. “We’re a proud partner with eBay, we’re very excited for them to be here. They’re going to give us the expertise for everyone to be able to compete on a global marketplace.”

Throughout the day, Retail Revival participants familiarized themselves with tools and strategies for setting up their online shops and creating seamless listing and shipping experiences. Participants also heard from successful eBay sellers, including 2016 Small Business of the Year award winner Laurie Wong of Reflections of Trinity, 2017 SHINE Awards Young Entrepreneur of the Year Ciara Brown of The Diamond Hanger and Travis Baird of Speed Outfitters.

The program’s first cohort is comprised of business owners in Akron and Warren, Ohio, looking to bring attention to the unique offerings of small businesses. “My hope with eBay is that we have a lot of brand connection, that we meet new people, people become aware of smaller artisans and vendors that we carry. Hopefully, we can shine a light on small businesses,” said Lauren Ward, Akron native and founder of NOTO Boutique.

The Retail Revival program is designed to advance existing economic development efforts by harnessing the power of technology and eBay’s global marketplace in support of the local business community.

Learn more about participating businesses and shop their unique inventory at ebay.com/Akron.